Protective cases for mobile devices

ABSTRACT

A protective case for a mobile device may comprise a frame having a number of spokes connected to four protective corners adapted for holding a portable electronic device. A central portion of the body may include a mounting member, which may comprise, enclose or hold a metallic, magnetic, or magnetically attractive material that may be used to removably secure the case to a mount, e.g., by magnetic attraction. The mount may include a magnetic or magnetically attractive core for holding and mounting the case by magnetic attraction. In some embodiments, a case and one or more mounts may be provided as an assembly or kit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/251,079, filed Nov. 4, 2015; claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 29/544,632, filed Nov. 4, 2015, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/246,649, filed Oct. 2, 2013; and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/043,849, filed Oct. 2, 2013, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/708,654, filed Oct. 2, 2012. Each of the foregoing applications is incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to mobile device accessories, and more particularly to protective cases for mobile devices such as cell phones, e-readers, music players, and tablets.

BACKGROUND

Unless otherwise indicated herein, the elements described in this section are not prior art to the claims and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

As mobile devices have evolved to offer advanced features, the replacement cost for damaged devices has grown. Unfortunately, if a mobile device hits a hard surface, it may damage it. It may be a dent or scratch, but sometimes the damage may require purchasing a new mobile device. If we are talking about a cell phone, the user may pay dearly, because the warranty may have expired or simply not cover the damage and carrier contracts for reduced prices may not be available. Thus, many users have bought protective cases for cell phones. Some cases may wrap protective material around the entire cell phone except for the display. Such an approach may protect the cell phone from shocks, dents and scratches but something is lost—the beauty of the cell phone design. The inventors recognized these problems and sought to identify what surfaces of the mobile device are susceptible to damage and protect those surfaces in a less bulky fashion that reveals much of the cell phone design.

Thus, there remains a need for slim, lightweight, affordable, aesthetically pleasing, and protective cases for mobile devices.

SUMMARY

Apparatus and methods for protecting electronic or mobile devices are described herein. In some example embodiments, a protective case may include a main body covering only part of a major surface of the mobile device that is integral and/or secured to sidewall enclosures that protect the mobile device.

In some embodiments, a protective case may include one or more spokes that are integral and/or secured to sidewall enclosures for protecting a mobile device. In some embodiments, sidewall enclosures are corner sidewall enclosures that protect the mobile device on the surfaces susceptible to dropping damage.

In some embodiments, corner enclosures enclose certain parts of the mobile device such as the device corners, where it is more susceptible to damage. The corner and non-corner sidewall enclosures may be minimal with molded interior shapes conforming to the mobile device to preferably form a snug fit or relatively large and robust to have more coverage and an extra level of protection.

In some embodiments, a protective case may include a variety of spoke assemblies, and/or sidewall (including corner) enclosures that are separable parts that can be assembled for customization by users. In some embodiments, sidewall enclosures may be molded, machined, and/or shaped to enclose at least part of the perimeter of the mobile device and are integral with and/or secured to the main body. When the sidewall enclosures are assembled to the main body, they may form a case that encloses at least part of the perimeter of the mobile device, and part of the back of the mobile device.

In some embodiments, a cover or case for electronic and mobile devices covers the typical impact zones such as the corners or edges with minimal design. Such example cases may multiple prongs/arms (also referred to herein as “spokes”) that extend to hold or attach to the mobile or electronic device. In some embodiments, the spokes or prongs may be configured in one or more pieces to form an approximate “X” shape, with each end of the “X” having a protective member that secures to and at least partially covers and protects edges and/or corners of the mobile device.

In some embodiments, spokes of a case may be configured and dimensioned in the form of two “V” shapes that connect together, e.g., at the vertex point of each V such that connected/opposing “V” shapes approximate the shape of an “X” along the rear surface of an attached mobile device. In other embodiments, any number, for example four, individual prongs/arms may connect together. In such embodiments, distal ends of each prong or arm may include a protective member (e.g. a corner enclosure) that is adapted to fit over and secure to a corner or edge of the mobile device.

In some embodiments, a connecting point between spokes may be oversized to allow for tolerance or spring or room for the spokes to expand and or contract. Such mechanisms may allow the case to help absorb impact or force.

In some embodiments, individual spokes or arms may be moved independently if necessary, for example to allow an easier method of inserting or removal of the protective device from mobile or electronic device. In other embodiments, the spokes and/or corner enclosures are integrated into a unibody structure, wherein at least a portion of the material of the spokes and/or enclosures is partially elastic or flexible to allow attachment of the case to mobile device.

In some embodiments, spokes, or other case components may be connected via screws. In other embodiments, spokes or other components may be connected via a mechanical method such as tongue and groove, hook or other type of fastening method such as using glue/chemical compounds.

Embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to four corners, or spokes in a particular V or X configuration, and exemplary cases may have as many or as little arms or prongs as desired or necessary.

In some embodiments, spokes and/or other components (including corner enclosures) may comprise or be constructed of any combination of rigid and elastic materials such as rubber, plastic, silicone, aluminum, resin, or high-tensile composite materials. In such embodiments, the spokes or arms may stretch to fit and self-adjust to fit the device it is holding. In some embodiments, substantially rigid edges or other shell portions of the case corners may help prevent damage to the phone, and in some embodiments inner cushion material may help dampen the effects of an impact (e.g. by dropping or banging the phone).

In some embodiments the spokes/prongs/arms may be extendable via spring-loaded mechanism to achieve a stretch effect to fit or self-adjust to fit the device it is holding. Such embodiments may allow the device to be fit in/installed, and may allow the case to fit devices of different sizes or dimensions.

In some embodiments, enclosure members (e.g., corner modules), may be integrated with or attached to a distal end of each spoke, and configured and dimensioned to fit a corner or other edge of a mobile device. In some embodiments, a corner member is made of moldable and/or flexible material, such that it may flex, mold and/or conform the edges/corners/surfaces of the device it is holding. In some embodiments, one or more corner members may comprise rigid or semi-rigid portions to enhance protection of the corners of the mobile device.

In some embodiments, a protective case for a mobile device may comprise an X-shaped frame, having four protective corners adapted for holding a portable electronic device, and includes an area that may comprise, enclose or hold a metallic, magnetic, or magnetically attractive material. In such embodiments, the metallic, magnetic, or magnetically attractive material may be used to secure the case (with attached device) to a metallic surface or to a corresponding magnetic or magnetically attractive mount device (sometimes referred to herein as a “mount”). In some embodiments, a case and one or more mounts may be provided as a kit.

In some embodiments, an area approximating the center of the an X-shaped frame of a case may have a substantially circular shape, or other desired shape, and such area may include metallic or magnetic components adapted to secure to a mount, e.g., by magnetic attraction. In some embodiments, such mount areas may be disposed on another position on the back of the case (e.g., at a desired position along or between one or more arms or spokes, or near a desired corner or edge of the case), and the shape maybe a circle, a square, a hexagon, or any other shape, even a free form shape. In some embodiments, the mount area (also sometimes referred to as “mount attachment” or “mount attachment point”) may include or contain an electronic chip, such as a RFID or NFC chip, that can be blank or be programmed to contain information.

In some embodiments, the case and the portable device it is holding may be attached to any metal or magnetically attractive surfaces. Such as file cabinet, refrigerator, or any materials that is magnetic or that a magnet may be attach to.

In some embodiments, the case components are integrated to form a substantially unibody construction of a desired material, e.g., a high-strength polymer, rubber, plastic, metal, or other desired material. In such embodiments, a mount area may include or comprise a different material to facilitate mounting of the device, such as a metal or magnet, and/or may include a chip as described above.

In some embodiments, a case is configured and dimensioned to “snap-on” to the portable device. For example, the spokes/frame and/or corner members of the case may be constructed of materials that are at least slightly flexible to allow enough flex to grip the periphery of the portable device as to attach itself securely to the device.

In some embodiments, a case apparatus may include and/or work in conjunction with a mount, such as a wall mount, a car mount, or a desktop mount. In some embodiments, a rear surface of the mount is adapted to secure to a desired surface. For example, the rear surface of a wall mount may include or engage with an adhesive material to permanently or selectively secure to a wall or surface of a structure. In other embodiments, a rear surface of the mount may be magnetic, e.g., of a strength that may be stronger than a magnet on a front, or opposite side of the mount. In other embodiments, the mount may include features or members adapted to secure to vanes of an automobile vent (e.g., an air conditioner or heater vent), or to another desired structure.

In some embodiments, a front surface of a mount may include a magnet or magnetically attractive material, for example, adapted to couple with (e.g., to attract or be attracted to) a corresponding mount area on a case. In such embodiments, the case (and a device to which the case is attached) may be removably secured to the mount by magnetic attraction. In some embodiments, a mount may include magnetic material such that it may be used to hold or organize any desired metallic or magnetically-attractive items, such as power/charging cable, keys, or other desired items.

These as well as other aspects and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description, with reference where appropriate to the accompanying drawings. Further, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this overview and elsewhere are intended to be examples only and do not necessarily limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded view of a protective case for a mobile device.

FIG. 2A illustrates a planar shaped main body of a protective case.

FIG. 2B is an exploded view of an open frame shaped main body and the rest of a protective case.

FIG. 2C illustrates an X-shaped main body.

FIG. 3A illustrates a protective case that includes an X-shaped main body integral with and/or secured to the corner sidewall enclosures.

FIG. 3B illustrates a protective case that includes corner sidewall enclosures without the main body.

FIG. 3C illustrates a protective case that includes an X-shaped main body integral with and/or secured to the corner sidewall enclosures.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate the modular nature of the protective case that allows for customization.

FIG. 5A illustrates a protective case that includes an open frame shaped main body and sidewall enclosures.

FIG. 5B illustrates a protective case that includes an open frame shaped main body with corner sidewall enclosures.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate various corner and non-corner sidewall enclosures.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a protective case that includes an open frame shaped main body, corner sidewall enclosures and non-corner sidewall enclosures.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a protective case that includes an X-shaped main body, corner sidewall enclosures, and sidewall enclosures.

FIG. 9A illustrates a corner sidewall enclosure of a protective case integral with and/or secured to an open frame shaped main body.

FIG. 9B illustrates a spoke of the main body secured by a screw to the corner sidewall enclosure.

FIG. 9C illustrates a spoke of the main body secured in a slot of the corner sidewall enclosure.

FIG. 9D illustrates an open frame shaped main body that includes an extension that wraps around a corner sidewall enclosure.

FIG. 10A illustrates a protective case for a cell phone using an X-shaped main body integral with and/or secured to four corner sidewall enclosures.

FIG. 10B illustrates a protective case for a tablet using an X-shaped main body integral with and/or secured to four corner sidewall enclosures.

FIG. 11A illustrates an embodiment of a main body that includes a spoke integral with and/or secured to two corner sidewalls enclosures to protect four corners of a mobile device.

FIG. 11B illustrates another embodiment of a main body that includes spokes integral with and/or secured to four corner sidewalls enclosures to protect four corners of a mobile device.

FIG. 11C illustrates another embodiment of a main body that includes spokes integral with and/or secured to four corner sidewall enclosures to protect four corners of a mobile device.

FIG. 11D illustrates another embodiment of a main body that includes spokes integral with and/or secured to four corner sidewalls enclosures to protect four corners of a mobile device.

FIG. 11E illustrates another embodiment of a main body that includes spokes integral with and/or secured to four corner sidewalls enclosures to protect four corners of a mobile device.

FIG. 11F illustrates another embodiment of a main body that includes spokes integral with and/or secured to four corner sidewalls enclosures to protect four corners of a mobile device.

FIG. 11G illustrates another embodiment of a main body that includes spokes integral with and/or secured to four corner sidewalls enclosures to protect four corners of a mobile device.

FIG. 11H illustrates another embodiment of a main body that includes spokes integral with and/or secured to four corner sidewalls enclosures to protect four corners of a mobile device.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view illustration of an example case 100 including two V-shaped case members 130 and 140, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 12B is a front perspective view of a device 102 secured to the example case of FIG. 12A, including corner members 110, 112, 114, 116 protecting the corners and corner edges of the device.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view illustration of the case of FIG. 12A, with upper 130 and lower 140 case members detached from each other, showing attachment member 160 adapted to secure by tongue and groove fashion through opening 150 .

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view illustration of another embodiment of a case 400 having two apposing V-shaped case members 330 and 140, which attach via a screw 460 through points 150 and 462.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a case 500, showing detachable case members 510, 520, 530, and 540, each including a spoke and a corner member, and attachable using an attachment member 526 on one case member that fits through openings 516, 536, and 546 of the other case members.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustration of a case 600 similar to case 500 of FIG. 15, but including a screw 460 for securing the case members, and which may include a threaded opening 602 for receiving the screw.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are rear view illustrations of a 2-part case 100 being attached to a mobile device, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 17C is a review view illustration of a case 500 being attached to a mobile device, wherein case member 510 is movable to facilitate attachment and detachment of the case.

FIG. 18A is a perspective view illustration of a protective case 800 for mobile and electronic devices, in accordance with another example embodiment.

FIGS. 18B, 18C, 18D and 18E are back, side, front, and end views, respectively, of the example case 800 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 18F is a perspective view rendering of an example case 800 attached to a mobile device.

FIG. 18G is a close-up perspective view of the example case and mobile device of FIG. 18F.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view illustration of a wall mount 900 in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, and 19D are side, bottom, and front views, respectively, of the example wall mount of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 20A is a perspective view illustration of a wall mount 1000 in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D are side, bottom, and front views, respectively, of the example wall mount of FIG. 20A.

FIG. 21A is an example illustration of a kit 1100 comprising a case 800 and a wall mount 900, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 21B is a side view illustration of case 800 in use attached to mount 900 of FIG. 21A.

FIG. 21C is a side view illustration of the case and mount of FIG. 21B, with the case rotated with respect to the mount to a desired position.

FIG. 22A is an example illustration of a kit 1200 comprising a case 800 and a car mount 1000, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 22B is a side view illustration of case 800 in use attached to mount 1000 of FIG. 22A.

FIG. 22C is a side view illustration of the case and mount of FIG. 22B, with the case rotated with respect to the mount to a desired position.

Like reference numerals refer to the same or similar components throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Overview

Described herein are apparatus and methods for holding and protecting mobile devices. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous examples and specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the aspects of the apparatus and methods. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention as defined by the claims may include some or all of the features in these examples alone or in combination with other features described below, and may further include modifications and equivalents of the features and concepts described herein. Each component or step is assigned its own reference numeral in the specification and drawings. Like reference numerals refer to the same or similar components throughout the several views of the drawings. In some embodiments, the drawings are not to scale and may not reflect the relative size of the parts.

In some embodiments, a slim, ultra-light mobile device case described herein may comprise a frame configured substantially in the shape of an “X” with a corner piece at each end of the “X” configured and dimensioned to fit around and retain a corner of a mobile phone, tablet, or other portable electronic device. In use, the X frame is disposed on a back surface of the mobile device and provides structural support to retain the four protective corners in position over each corner of the mobile device. In some embodiments, a central portion of the frame, e.g., approximately at the intersection of the spokes or legs comprising the X frame, may include a member configured to secure to a mount for retaining the case and mobile device in a desired location. For example, the member may include a magnet or magnetically-attractive member configured to secure to a corresponding magnetic or magnetically-attractive mount.

II. Example Embodiments

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded and perspective view of a case that can protect a mobile device (e.g., cell phone, tablet, and e-reader). The mobile device can be a cell phone such as Apple's iPhone, an iPad, iPod, and other firms' tablets, a computer, an e-reader such as Amazon's Kindle, and other mobile devices such as the Android OS mobile devices.

The protective case includes a main body 24 that is integral with and/or secured to secondary portions that fully or partly enclose the perimeter or edges of the mobile device 42 to eliminate or reduce damage to the mobile device when it collides with a hard surface.

For brevity, the application uses the phrase “integral with” to refer to adjacent “parts” that are structurally a single part. The application uses “secured” to refer to adjacent parts held together mechanically by, for example, a screw, a rivet, a fastener and/or adhesive.

The secondary portions include corner sidewall enclosures 12, 14, 18, and 20 and non-corner sidewall enclosures 10, 15, 16, and 22. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the non-corner sidewall enclosures 10, 22 enclose the top sidewall and the bottom sidewall of the mobile device 42. The non-corner sidewall enclosures 15, 16 enclose the right sidewall and the left sidewall of the mobile device 42. Corner sidewall enclosures 12, 14, 18, and 20 protect the corners of the mobile device 42. In another embodiment, instead of corner sidewall enclosure 20, the protective case includes a corner sidewall enclosure 26 with an opening 27 for a lanyard, a strap or another purpose. In another embodiment, instead of the corner sidewall enclosure 20, the protective case includes a corner sidewall enclosure 29 that includes a button 28 for activating a function (e.g., camera shutter) of the mobile device 42.

In another embodiment, a corner sidewall enclosure 30 includes an opening 30 at the top and a closed bottom enclosure 34 to hold an input tool, such as a stylus or pen 36. The sidewall enclosures are integral with and/or secured to the open frame shaped main body 24.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the main body 24 is an open frame shaped, which is on the periphery of the mobile device 42 with an opening in the center. The main body 24 can be rigid or elastic and a singular object or include multiple pieces assembled together.

The open frame shaped main body 24 that holds the corner sidewall enclosures and the non-corner sidewall enclosures together has center opening in the main body 24 so it can be disposed on the back or even the front (i.e., display side) of the mobile device 42.

The corner sidewall and non-corner sidewall enclosures are made of rigid or non-rigid materials such as aluminum, other metals, plastic, rubber, polyurethane, carbon fiber, or other composite materials.

FIG. 2A illustrates a planar shaped main body 44, including an opening 43, that covers and protects the back of the mobile device.

FIG. 2B is an exploded view of an open frame shaped main body and the rest of a protective case. As shown, the protective case includes an open frame shaped main body 24, non-corner sidewall enclosures 10, 15, 16, and 22, and corner sidewall enclosures 12, 14, 18, and 20. The non-corner sidewall enclosure 10 includes a rectangular shaped opening 38 and a circular opening 40 to access the mobile device's functions (e.g., camera, flash, microphone and other controls or for exposing the mobile device's graphics, name, on/off/sleep button, mute button, and volume buttons).

FIG. 2C illustrates a main body that includes spokes that is integral with and/or secured to the corner sidewall enclosures. As shown in FIG. 2c , the X-shaped main body 46 is a four-spoke body in the shape of an “X” or two “V's” that are integral with and/or secured to each other where one “V” is inverted with respect to the other “V”.

FIG. 3A illustrates a protective case that includes an X-shaped main body integral with and/or secured to the corner sidewall enclosures. The corner sidewall enclosures portion 12, 14, 18, and 20 enclose the corners of the mobile device 42, and are held together by the X-shaped main body 46 on the back of the mobile device 42. Together when assembled with the mobile device 42 within, the corner sidewall enclosures 12, 14, 18, and 20 and the X-shaped main body 46 form a snug fit case to contain the mobile device 42. This embodiment allows a minimal amount of material to cover the mobile device 42 while protecting the corners of the mobile device 42, which are most susceptible to damage due to a fall or drop, as well as the back of the mobile device 42.

FIG. 3B illustrates a protective case that includes corner sidewall enclosures 12, 14, 18,20 secured to the mobile device 42 without the main body 46. FIG. 3C illustrates a protective case that includes an X-shaped main body integral with and/or secured to the corner sidewall enclosures without the mobile device 42.

FIG. 4A illustrates another embodiment of a protective case for a mobile device 42 that includes an open frame shaped main body 24 that is integral with and/or secured to top sidewall enclosure 10 with openings 38 and 40, the non-corner sidewall enclosures 15, 16, and the bottom sidewall enclosure 22. Non-corner sidewall enclosure 16 includes a set of openings 48,50, and 52 to access functions of the mobile device 42.

FIG. 4B illustrates another embodiment of a protective case for a mobile device 42 that includes an open frame shaped main body 24 that is integral with and/or secured to corner sidewall enclosures 12, 14, 18, and 20 and non-corner sidewall enclosures 15, 16. Non-corner sidewall enclosure 16 includes openings 48, 50, and 52 to access functions of the mobile device 42.

FIG. 4C illustrates another embodiment of a protective case for a mobile device 42 that includes an open frame shaped main body 24 that is integral and/or secured to corner sidewall enclosures 12 and 20 along with top non-corner sidewall 10 with openings 38 and 40, corner sidewall enclosures 14 and 18 along with bottom non-corner sidewall 22.

FIG. 4D illustrates another embodiment of a protective case for a mobile device 42 that includes an X-shaped main body 46 that is integral and/or secured to corner sidewall enclosures 12, 14, 18, and 20.

FIG. 5A illustrates the assembled protective case shown as an exploded view in FIG. 1. FIG. 5A illustrates the corner sidewall enclosures 12, 14, 18, and 20, and non-corner sidewall enclosures 10, 15, 16, and 22 enclose the edges around the perimeter of the mobile device. The non-corner sidewall enclosures 15, 16 are integral with and/or secured to the open frame shaped main body 24. FIG. 5B illustrates a case that includes an open frame shaped main body 24 with corner sidewall enclosures 12, 14, 18, and 20 to protect corners of mobile device 42.

FIG. 6A illustrates a corner sidewall enclosure 12 that protects the corner of mobile device 42. FIG. 6B illustrates a sidewall enclosure 54 that protects two corners and the top of the mobile device 42. FIG. 6C illustrates a sidewall enclosure 56 that encloses the corner and the non-corner of the mobile device 42. FIG. 6D illustrates non-corner sidewall enclosures 10, 15 that protect the non-corner perimeter of the mobile device 42.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the protective case shown assembled in FIG. 5A. The only new part added to the case of FIG. 5A is a corner sidewall 200 with an opening 100.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of protective case shown assembled in FIG. 4D. The only part added to the case of FIG. 5A is a corner sidewall 200 with an opening 100.

FIG. 9A illustrates a corner sidewall enclosure 20 of a protective case integral with and/or secured to an open frame shaped main body 24.

FIG. 9B illustrates a spoke of the main body 46 secured by a screw 62 to the corner sidewall enclosure 13 of the mobile device 42.

FIG. 9C illustrates a spoke of the main body 46 secured in a slot of the corner sidewall enclosure 66 of the mobile device 42.

FIG. 9D illustrates an open frame shaped main body 24 that includes an extension 68 that wraps around a corner sidewall enclosure 20 of the mobile device 42.

FIG. 10A illustrates a protective case for a cell phone using an X-shaped main body 46 secured to four corner sidewall enclosures 12, 14, 18, and 20.

FIG. 10B illustrates a protective case for a tablet 70 using an X-shaped main body 80 secured to four corner sidewall enclosures 72, 74, 76, and 78.

FIG. 11A illustrates an embodiment of a main body 82 that includes spokes that are integral with and/or secured to two corner sidewalls enclosures 54, 300 to protect four corners of a mobile device.

FIG. 11B illustrates another embodiment of a main body 84 that includes spokes that are integral with and/or secured to four corner sidewalls enclosures 12, 14, 18, and 20 to protect four corners of a mobile device.

FIG. 11C illustrates another embodiment of a main body 86 that includes spokes that are integral with and/or secured to four corner sidewall enclosures 12,14, 18, and 20 to protect four corners of a mobile device.

FIG. 11D illustrates another embodiment of a main body 88 that includes spokes that are integral with and/or secured to four corner sidewalls enclosures 12, 14, 18, and 20 to protect four corners of a mobile device.

FIG. 11E illustrates another embodiment of a main body 90 that includes spokes that are integral with and/or secured to four corner sidewalls enclosures 12, 14, 18, and 20 to protect four corners of a mobile device.

FIG. 11F illustrates another embodiment of a main body 92 that includes spokes that are integral with and/or secured to four corner sidewalls enclosures 12, 14, 18, and 20 to protect four corners of a mobile device.

FIG. 11G illustrates another embodiment of a main body 94 that includes spokes that are integral with and/or secured to four corner sidewalls enclosures 12, 14, 18, and 20 to protect four corners of a mobile device.

FIG. 11H illustrates another embodiment of a main body 96 that includes spokes that are integral with and/or secured to four corner sidewalls enclosures 12, 14, 18, and 20 to protect four corners of a mobile device.

III. Example Embodiments With Modular Frame Pieces (FIGS. 12A-17C)

Turning now to FIG. 12A, an example case 100 for a mobile device may include one or more case members 130, 140. In this example, two V-shaped case members 130 and 140, are adapted to engage and secure together to form an X-shape structure for providing support to the case 100. Each member 130, 140 includes arms 132, 134, 142, 144 that extend to protective corner members 110, 112, 114, 116, each of which are integrated with or secured to the corresponding arm and adapted to fit around and protect a corner of a mobile device 102. As shown in FIG. 12B, each corner 110, 112, 114, 116 is configured and dimensioned to fit around a front edge of the corners of the device 102, e.g., to protect the corners and front surfaces from damage to the device during a fall or impact.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the case of FIGS. 12A and 12B. In this example, upper 130 and lower 140 case members are detached from each other, and may be attached by positioning attachment member 160 on one case member through a corresponding opening 150 on the other case member, and securing the two members, e.g. by sliding the cases with respect to each other to engage a tongue of 160 with a groove feature of 150.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view illustration of another embodiment of a case 400 having two apposing V-shaped case members 330 and 140, which attach via a screw 460 through points 150 and 462. In this embodiment, feature 462 may be threaded to receive and engage screw 460.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a case 500 similar to cases 300 and 400, except that it includes four detachable case members 510, 520, 530, and 540. Each case member may include an arm, or spoke, 512, 522, 532, 542, and each arm may have a secured or integrated distal corner member 510, 512, 514, 516, respectively. A proximal end of each arm may include an attachment area 514, 524, 534, 544, and each such attachment area may include a coupling feature 516, 526, 536, 546. In this example, feature 526 may be configured to include a tongue that fits through and secures each 516, 536, and 546 of the other case members.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustration of a case 600 similar to case 500 of FIG. 15, but including a screw 460 for securing the case members, and which may include a threaded opening 602 for receiving the screw.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are rear view illustrations of a 2-part case 100 being attached to a mobile device, in accordance with an example embodiment. The case 100 may have case members 130, 140 and other features described above with respect to FIGS. 12A and 12B.

FIG. 17C is a review view illustration of a case 500 being attached to a mobile device, wherein case member 510 is movable to facilitate attachment and detachment of the case. In other embodiments, one or more of the arms may be movable. In other embodiments, one or more of corner members may be moveable, hingable, and/or flexible to facilitate attachment to a mobile device.

IV. Example Protective Cases Including Mount Features (FIGS. 18A-22C)

Turning now to FIG. 18A to FIG. 22C, other embodiments, aspects and features of example protective cases are shown, including semi-flexible unibody embodiments having integrated and/or cooperative mounting features.

For example, FIG. 18A shows a protective case 800 for mobile and electronic devices, having a frame 802 comprised of spokes 810, 820, 830, 840 or arms configured in an approximate “X” configuration, with each distal end of an arm terminating in a protective corner member 812, 822, 832, 842, respectively (also referred to as a “corner enclosure” or “corner sidewall enclosure”) configured to secure to and protect a corner or edge of a mobile device (e.g., such as device 860 of FIGS. 18F and 18G). In some embodiments, the frame may be constructed at least in part of a polymer, plastic, rubber or other semi-elastic or flexible material to facilitate fitting the case onto a mobile device. In some embodiments, case 800 may be configured in substantially a unibody construction.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 18A through 18G, case 800 may include a central mounting member 850. In some embodiments, member 850 may be substantially circular, or may be another desired shape, and may be positioned such that a proximal end of each of the spokes 820, 830, 840, 850 secures to (or is integral with) the mounting member such that the spokes radiate or extend outward from the central mounting member as shown in FIG. 18A. In some embodiments, mounting member 850 may be configured and dimensioned to mate with a mount (e.g. mount 900 of FIG. 19A and/or mount 1000 of FIG. 20A), for example by magnetic attraction, coupling, or other securing means. For example, the mounting member 850 may include a core of metal, a magnet, or other metallic or magnetically-attractive material such that the case may attach to another metal or magnetic surface.

In some embodiments, each of the corners 812, 822, 832, 842 of a case 800 may include a corresponding lip 814, 824, 834, 844 which may also allow the device to be placed face down without worry about scratching or impacting the touchscreen. Such as corner design elevates the touchscreen from any flat surfaces such as tables/desks. In some embodiments, the corners and/or arms of the case 800 may include an inner protective layer or soft or pliable cushion material (e.g., 816, 826, 836, 846) which may help dampen the effect of an impact caused by dropping or banging the phone or case.

FIGS. 19A through 19D show different views of a wall mount 900 in accordance with an example embodiment. The wall mount may include a body 910 having a magnetic or magnetically attractive portion 912 (e.g., the front portion), that is configured and dimensioned to couple with the mounting member 850 or other surface of a case such as case 800 discussed above with respect to FIG. 18A. In some embodiments, the mount 900 may have features, such as adhesive, fastener, tab, slot (e.g., slot 922) or other feature, for securing a back side 920 of the mount to a wall or other structure. In some embodiments, slot 922 or other feature may be used to facilitate removal of the mount 900 from a surface, e.g., by providing access to the back side 920 of the mount to lift or pry the mount 900 from a surface to which it is attached.

FIGS. 20A through 20D show different views of a car mount 1000 in accordance with an example embodiment. The car mount may include a body 1010 or head with a mounting portion 1012, which may be a front portion of the head and may be magnetic or magnetically attractive. In some embodiments, mounting portion may be configured and dimensioned to couple with the mounting member 850 or other surface of a case such as the case 800 discussed above with respect to FIG. 18A. In some embodiments, the car mount may have attachment features 1020, such as wings, tabs or other features extending from a rear or side of the mount body 1010, e.g., for securing the mount to vanes of an air vent in a vehicle.

As shown in FIGS. 21A, a case 800 and one or more mounts (in this example a wall mount 900) may be provided as an assembly 1100 or kit. FIG. 21B shows case 800 secured, e.g., by magnetic attraction of the case (e.g., mounting member 850) with the mount (e.g., magnetic portion 912 in the body 910 of mount 900 as shown in FIG. 19A). As shown in FIG. 21C, case 800 may be rotated in any desired direction with respect to the mount 900.

Similarly, FIGS. 22A through 22C are example illustrations showing features of a kit or case assembly 1200 comprising a case 800 and a car mount 1000, in accordance with an example embodiment. FIG. 22B shows case 800 secured, e.g., by magnetic attraction of the case (e.g., mounting member 850) with the mount (e.g., magnetic portion 1012 in the body or head 1010 of mount 1000 as shown in FIG. 20A). As shown in FIG. 22C, case 800 may be rotated in any desired direction with respect to the mount 1000.

In some embodiments, an exemplary case assembly such as assembly 1100 or 1200 may be configured a minimalist style, including a case 800 and mount 900 or 1000 to provide a reusable, hands-free solution to selectively secure a user's mobile device and/or other accessories in the user's home, workspace and/or vehicle. Such cases may provide phone protection, hands-free operation, desk & cable organizer features in one ultra-light, aesthetically pleasing kit or package.

In some embodiments, an example case (also referred to herein as “Alt”), is more than just a case, it is also a mounting system. An included wall mount lets a user work and play handsfree, including viewing notifications right away without constantly picking the phone up from the table. A car mount may hold a user's phone securely without cluttering your view of the road.

In some embodiments, Alt is designed to protect. Case 800, including x-shaped frame 802 having arms 810, 820, 830, 840, each terminating in a corresponding protective corner 812, 814, 816, 818, may be constructed of high-strength Polymer shell and may include a soft, impact resistance inner layer (e.g., within each corner 812, 814, 816, 818 and/or on the inner surface of the X-shaped frame 802), such that any impact cause by dropping and/or banging the phone may be dampened and/or distributed by the case to prevent or minimize damage to the phone. The case 800 may include a polymer having a soft-touch, non-slip finish that improves grip on a device (e.g., an iPhone, iPad or Android device) smooth exterior, making drops less likely. Case 800 frame 802 and corners may be constructed on any desired comprise a tough, rigid and durable case.

In some embodiments, each Alt case assembly 1100, 1200 may be the reliable attachment system (e.g., mounting member 850 and corresponding mount 900, 1000) using magnets such as a Neodymium magnet, a type of small but very strong magnet. No more clips or grips that require a user to push a release button or pry open arms to release or seat the phone. In an example of use, a user may simply place the phone with case 800 close to the magnetic mount 900, 1000 and it will gently pull it towards the center 850, securely holding the phone in place. To release, just pull the phone away. The magnetic system also allows you to easily rotate the iPhone to whatever viewing angle you prefer with one simple twist (e.g., as shown in FIG. 21B and FIG. 21C for assembly 1100 and in FIG. 22B and FIG. 22C for assembly 1200). The magnetic system does not affect the iPhone's operation, camera, lens/flash, ApplePay, charging, or battery life.

Both the wall mount and the car vent mount may be configured and dimensioned to support any size mobile device, e.g., iPhone, Samsung devices, tablets, or other handheld devices, with no need to swap out or have different size mounts for the different size phones. In some embodiments, the wall mount is small enough to place almost anywhere, and such uni-mount design can also hold more than just a user's device. For example, charging cables, keys, or other metallic objects may be secured to the mount. In some embodiments, the mount's magnetic core is also strong enough to hold larger Mac Book charging cables, USB cables, and other larger objects.

In some embodiments, a wall mount 900 can be attached to any surface: wood, metal, painted walls, or even textured walls. The rear or back surface of the wall mount may include an adhesive or attachment member, such as for example a padded peel-off sticky pad. Such an attachment member may be easy adhere to any surface, and to remove later if desired. In some embodiments, car mount 1000 may be configured to clip directly to vent blades of any car's air conditioning vents. In some embodiments, each Alt case may come in a kit with one or more matching mounts, e.g., color wall mount and/or vehicle mount, and each wall mount may come with extra adhesive members.

V. Conclusion

The foregoing description illustrates various embodiments of the present invention along with examples of how aspects of the present invention may be implemented. The above examples and embodiments should not be deemed to be the only embodiments, and are presented to illustrate the flexibility and advantages of the present invention. Based on the above disclosure and the following claims, other arrangements, embodiments, implementations and equivalents will be evident to those skilled in the art and may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A protective case for a mobile device, comprising: a frame having a plurality of spokes attached to and extending from a central mounting member; and a plurality of protective corner members, each corner member attached to a distal end of one of the plurality of spokes, wherein each corner is configured and dimensioned to secure to and protect a corner of a mobile device, wherein the central mounting member is configured and dimensioned to mate with and removably secure to a mount for holding the case in a desired position.
 2. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the central mounting member comprises a magnetic or magnetically-attractive material adapted to secure to the mount by magnetic attraction.
 3. A protective case assembly for a mobile device, comprising: a case comprising a frame having a plurality of spokes attached to and extending from a central mounting member, each spoke terminating in a protective corner member, wherein the central mounting member comprises a magnetic or magnetically-attractive material and each corner is configured and dimensioned to secure to and protect a corner of a mobile device; and a mount having a front portion configured and dimensioned to mate with and removably secure the central mounting member by magnetic attraction and a rear portion configured to secure to a structure for holding the assembly. 